Terminal Fishing Gear's recoiling tether is different than most others. First the recoiling is non directional, when it recoils it will not snag any leaders or other items. Second when being used in the rod holder or when just being stowed the tether is relaxed & not all coiled up like a spring. Third if for some reason the recoil portion of the tether fails the tether is still fuctional as a standard non-recoiling safety tether.

Why use a Recoiling Tether, because it cleans up the deck.
They help remove the hazards of tripping on lines & from getting tangled up in them.
When they are recoiled they are about 40% shorter.
Example: the 12' recoils to 7'.